Study Guide for Soils
Smelling the Soil
What does smelling the soil tell you about its physical characteristics? What will future space
probes be “sniffing for” on Mars?
Exotic Earthworms Podcast Question(s)
Describe the threat posed by exotic earthworms? How do these species spread?
Organic Farming
1. Using examples from the video, What impact do various farming methods have on soil quality
and erosion?
2. Using examples from the video, what are the positives and negatives about farmers growing
one crop in an area year after year?
Changing Arctic Soils
1. What are some impacts of melting permafrost on the physical landscape, plants, and animals?
2. Describe how the melting of permafrost, caused by global warming, can actually make global
warming worse?
Radon and Soils
1. What is radon? Where can it be found?
2. How can radon be detected?
3. Why is radon a potential health risk?
Key Words List: Soils
humus parent material soil structure
soil texture O horizon A horizon
B horizon C horizon eluviation (Pidwirney-section t)
illuviation (Pidwirney-section
t)
